How many years have you been involved in the spa and hospitality industry?
I personally have been involved in the spa industry since 2007. My father first started his journey to bring his concept to life in the U.S. nearly 15 years ago.
What has surprised you most about the spa world?
What surprises me most about the spa world is that I can still even be surprised! I have traveled the world to discover spa treatments, and just when I think I’ve seen it all, something new comes my way. It’s an invigorating experience that forces you to always be forward thinking.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
The spa industry can no longer just count on providing excellent spa treatments. It seems the industry is heading towards facilities like Spa Castle, in which it is more of a one-stop shop that offers significant amenities aside from just facials and body massages.
What is the strangest client request you’ve fielded?
Our guests tend to come with an open mind, which helps alleviate the strange requests. It also means that people are willing to try new things, which we love to see. We were one of the first in the spa industry to bring Korean methods to the U.S., and it is so encouraging to see people embrace techniques that may have at first been considered strange.
What is the most bizarre treatment you’ve experienced?
In Korea, I was once buried in a tub-like structure for about 30 minutes. You get into a tub, then a therapist comes and shovels hot dirt onto your body until you are completely covered. I remember being extremely hot and uncomfortable and was almost about to get up and quit midway, but I made it!
What new spa treatment would you like to try?
The Vampire Facial
What’s your go-to spa treatment?
A full-body massage
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
Interior design. It has been a wonderful experience learning about aesthetics and room composition while building and designing each of our facilities.